Tell us about your role at UHN.
I am a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Khokha Group at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. My work is focused on developing novel ways to assess the risk of developing breast cancer as well as molecular prevention strategies for high-risk populations.
How long have you been at UHN and what led you to this role?
I have been in this role for approximately a year and a half. Before UHN, I completed my B.Sc. in Biochemistry and Chemistry on the beautiful Caribbean Island of Barbados, where I was born. I also completed a Master of Public Health there. Driven by my passion for advancing science and health, I pursued a Ph.D. in Cancer Biology and Epidemiology at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, under Dr. Juliet Daniel's supervision. My doctoral research focused on the genomics and epidemiology of triple-negative breast cancer in women of African ancestry, specifically in Barbados and Nigeria. Intrigued by the intersections of molecular biology, epidemiology and public health, I joined Dr. Rama Khokha’s research group at UHN to further build on this unique skillset and to incorporate large-scale datasets with clinical data for high-risk breast cancer populations.
What are you passionate about in your role at UHN? What does health research mean to you?
My past educational and research endeavours have cemented my drive for health research as I have seen direct (and indirect) effects of my research on study populations. In my current capacity at UHN, I am passionate about making a clinical impact on people at high-risk of breast cancer through my work. For me, engaging in health research is an exceptional avenue to translate research findings into practical solutions that improve lives.
How does your work help to advance UHN's vision of A Healthier World?
UHN’s vision of a healthier world is ambitious, but also within reach as Canada’s top research hospital. My work helps to advance this vision because it will not only affect the UHN community but also have a global impact. While current tools to assess breast cancer risk and prevention have helped in decreasing the breast cancer burden globally, there is considerable room for enhancement. I aim to use cutting-edge technologies to refine these tools, ultimately striving to reduce the burden of breast cancer and contribute to a healthier world.
What makes UHN an ideal place to advance health research?
UHN is an ideal place to advance health research because it is a hub of innovation and has been at the forefront of many important discoveries. UHN has dedicated, exceptional core facilities and programs essential for the success of my project including the Ontario Breast Program site at Princess Margaret Hospital, the Pathology Research Program and UHN’s High Performance Computing Core for computational analyses. Specifically, Dr. Khokha’s laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art cell biology and computational resources for high-impact research. Her leadership in the field is enhanced by established collaborations for proteomics analysis, creating a unique blend of resources and cutting-edge techniques.
Tell us an interesting fact people don’t know about you. Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of work?
An interesting fact is that Rihanna (THE Rihanna) and I went to the same high school in Barbados. Another fact is that I’ve been playing violin since I was 12 and our paths overlapped a few times through music at school. It’s highly doubtful that she remembers me though. Outside of work, I am a drag performer! In drag, I go by Rawbyn Diamonds which is inspired by Rihanna—her first name is Robyn and Diamonds is one of my favourite songs from her. If you want to learn more about me, you can check out my website: https://www.shawnhercules.com/
What does the Pride in STEM Day mean to you?
I wish Pride in STEM Day was around when I was much younger. It would have inspired me to see non-heteronormative scientists like me thrive and excel in this field that is often so saturated by the “stereotypical” image of what a scientist ‘should’ look like. This day (and movement) is important to me because it reminds the world that we indeed exist, we’re here, we’re not going anywhere, and we should also be respected within the community regardless of our gender expression and sexuality.
How to Participate in You @TeamUHN
You @TeamUHN is a campaign to highlight the important scientific contributions that research lab staff, trainees and learners, administrative staff, core facilities staff, Research Solutions & Services staff, and volunteers make towards A Healthier World through discovery and innovation. If you’re interested in sharing your story, we invite you to complete this form here (open to UHN staff, trainees and volunteers).